NNA - The Embassy of India in Lebanon held a ceremony marking Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2026 at the Gefinor Rotana Hotel in Beirut, under the patronage and in the presence of Indian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Noor Rahman Sheikh.
The event was attended by Minister of Industry Joe Issa El Khoury, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani, represented by Agriculture Ministry Director of Studies and Coordination Hala Abdallah, Civil Service Council President Nisrine Mashmoushi, Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Director of Economic Affairs Ambassador Rana Mokaddem, Tele Liban Board Chairperson Elissar Naddaf, and other Lebanese officials and representatives.
Also present were Internal Security Forces Director General Major General Raed Abdullah, represented by ISF Training Division Chief Brigadier General Trodie El Kadi, General Security Director General Major General Hassan Shqeir, represented by Major Charbel Atallah, Commander of the Indian Battalion INDBATT XXVII, Colonel Prason Singh, as well as representatives of Lebanese institutions, ITEC alumni and friends of India.
Indian ambassador highlights ITEC program
In his address, Ambassador Sheikh welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of the ITEC program in capacity building, development cooperation and the exchange of expertise between India and partner countries.
He noted that the program, launched in 1964, has provided professionals with training opportunities across a wide range of fields.
Addressing India-Lebanon relations, Sheikh stressed the longstanding ties between the two peoples and highlighted cooperation in the cultural, economic and development fields. He also noted the role of the Indian contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1998.
The ambassador said bilateral trade between India and Lebanon currently stands at around $500 million and highlighted the embassy’s continued efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Regarding the ITEC program, Sheikh said 75 civilian training slots are currently allocated to Lebanon, noting an increase in applications. He added that the Indian Embassy has proposed raising the allocation to 150 slots, which would provide additional training opportunities for Lebanese professionals.
Sheikh concluded by underscoring the importance of maintaining cooperation and friendship between India and Lebanon and strengthening communication between ITEC alumni and the Indian Embassy.
